NASA's $24.5M SIMLABS II Contract Awarded to Science Applications International Corporation

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $24,540,322 ($24.5M)

Contractor: Science Applications International Corporation

Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Start Date: 2012-11-01

End Date: 2012-11-01

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE

Sector: Engineering Services

Official Description: IGF::CT,CL::IGF TECHNICAL SERVICES FOR AEROSPACE SYSTEMS MODELING AND SIMULATION II (SIMLABS II)

Place of Performance

Location: MOFFETT FIELD, SANTA CLARA County, CALIFORNIA, 94035

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $24.5 million to SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION for work described as: IGF::CT,CL::IGF TECHNICAL SERVICES FOR AEROSPACE SYSTEMS MODELING AND SIMULATION II (SIMLABS II) Key points: 1. Contract value of $24.5 million for aerospace systems modeling and simulation. 2. Awarded via full and open competition, indicating a competitive bidding process. 3. Risk appears moderate given the definitive contract type and established contractor. 4. Sector is Engineering Services, crucial for aerospace research and development.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract type is Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF), which allows for performance-based incentives. Pricing assessment would require comparison to similar modeling and simulation contracts, but the competitive award suggests a reasonable price discovery process.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded through full and open competition, suggesting multiple bidders participated. This method generally leads to better price discovery and potentially lower costs for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award is beneficial for taxpayers, as it likely resulted in a more cost-effective solution for NASA's modeling and simulation needs.

Public Impact

Supports critical aerospace research and development for NASA. Enhances capabilities in modeling and simulation for complex systems. Potential for technological advancements stemming from the simulation services.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Positive Signals

  • Full and open competition ensures broad market participation.
  • Contract type allows for performance-based incentives.
  • Established contractor with experience in the field.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically supporting aerospace modeling and simulation. Spending in this area is vital for innovation and maintaining technological leadership in the aerospace industry.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not awarded to small businesses (sb: false). Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business subcontracting opportunities were mandated or pursued.

Oversight & Accountability

NASA's procurement processes and the Inspector General's office provide oversight. The definitive contract structure allows for clear deliverables and accountability, though performance monitoring is key.

Related Government Programs

  • Engineering Services
  • National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
  • National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs

Risk Flags

  • Potential for cost overruns inherent in CPAF contracts if not closely managed.
  • Dependence on a single contractor for critical simulation services.
  • Lack of small business participation noted in the award data.
  • Contract duration and specific performance metrics require further review for long-term value.

Tags

engineering-services, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, ca, definitive-contract, 10m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $24.5 million to SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION. IGF::CT,CL::IGF TECHNICAL SERVICES FOR AEROSPACE SYSTEMS MODELING AND SIMULATION II (SIMLABS II)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (National Aeronautics and Space Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $24.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2012-11-01. End: 2012-11-01.

What specific modeling and simulation capabilities does SIMLABS II provide, and how do they align with NASA's current strategic objectives?

SIMLABS II likely provides advanced computational modeling and simulation services essential for designing, testing, and validating aerospace systems. This could include areas like aerodynamics, structural analysis, propulsion, and mission planning. Alignment with NASA's objectives would depend on current priorities, such as lunar missions, Mars exploration, or next-generation aircraft development, where sophisticated simulations are crucial for risk reduction and performance optimization.

What are the key performance metrics and award fee criteria for this Cost Plus Award Fee contract?

Key performance metrics for a CPAF contract like SIMLABS II would typically focus on technical performance, schedule adherence, and cost control. Award fee criteria are defined in the contract and incentivize the contractor to exceed minimum requirements. Examples could include achieving specific simulation accuracy levels, delivering results ahead of schedule, or demonstrating innovative approaches to complex modeling challenges, all contributing to NASA's mission success.

How does the cost of this contract compare to similar modeling and simulation services procured by other government agencies or in the private sector?

Benchmarking the cost of this $24.5 million contract requires access to detailed cost data and comparison with similar, competitively awarded contracts for specialized aerospace modeling and simulation services. Factors like contract duration, specific technical requirements, and the level of expertise needed influence pricing. Without specific comparative data, it's difficult to definitively assess cost-effectiveness, though the full and open competition suggests a market-driven price.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical ServicesArchitectural, Engineering, and Related ServicesEngineering Services

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENTGeneral Science and Technology R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE (R)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1710 SAIC DR, MCLEAN, VA, 22102

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $75,608,912

Exercised Options: $28,996,392

Current Obligation: $24,540,322

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 90

Total Subaward Amount: $6,721,736

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline

Start Date: 2012-11-01

Current End Date: 2012-11-01

Potential End Date: 2014-10-31 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2021-04-26

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